Various stakeholders had made representations to the varsity to postpone introduction of CBCS so that they get adequate time to understand the new system.

The choice based credit system (CBCS) that allows students to choose inter-disciplinary and intra-disciplinary courses along with skill oriented papers will not be implemented in 180 colleges affiliated to Panjab University from this year. This comes despite the move being endorsed by the varsity’s academic council in its meeting last Wednesday.

On Sunday, PU’s syndicate meeting deferred the implementation of CBCS to next year.

Various stakeholders had made representations to the varsity to postpone introduction of CBCS so that they get adequate time to understand the new system.

The syndicate also endorsed the programme to organise refresher courses related to CBCS for principals and college teachers at different places. It endorsed gradually finalising the working model for the implementation of CBCS across all semesters to ensure uniform implementation.

The system is already in place at PU campus departments as it was introduced last year.

WHAT IS CBCS?

Shift in focus from teachercentric education to student-centric education. Under the CBCS, students are allowed to choose inter-disciplinary, intra-disciplinary courses, skill oriented papers (even from other disciplines according to their interest) It makes education broadbased and on a par with global standards. One can take credits by combining multiple courses. CBCS offers flexibility for students to study at different times and at different institutions. Credits earned at one institution can be transferred.

PU WILL GO VEHICLE­-FREE

The syndicate also set the ball rolling for making PU vehicle-free by approving recommendations of an internal committee. It was noted that parking area near gate number 1, Sector 14 can accommodate up to 200 cars. Option for creating more parking space near gate number 3, Sector 25 is to be explored immediately. It was also proposed that the frequency of shuttle service between the two parking lots be enhanced so that waiting time at any bus stop is not more than |10 minutes.

MOVE DRAWS MIX RESPONSE

Welcoming the move, Avanindra Chopra, associate professor at DAV College, Sector 10 said the changeover to CBCS at this stage was not feasible. “It would have harassed students, giving rise to multiple problems for teachers and colleges,” he said

However, professor Akshaya Kumar, PU’s dean languages said this is yet another instance of the varsity’s governing body delaying the implementation or fiddling with major UGC initiatives.

The UGC wanted PU to implement CBCS in affiliated colleges at the earliest, he claimed.

“Deferring CBCS will only hit us in our rankings and NAAC grading. Also, the students of the region will suffer as the new system would have equipped them to compete nationally,” he added.

“If the university was so concerned about UGC norms, why did it take over two years to finalise its structure and syllabi?,” said a teacher.